King James Version

What Does Exodus 31:13 Mean?

Exodus 31:13 in the King James Version says “Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and y...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.”

Exodus 31:13 · KJV

Context

11

And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.

12

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

13

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.

14

Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

15

Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. holy: Heb. holiness

Read Exodus 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Sabbath is a sign between God and Israel forever, reminding them that the LORD sanctifies them. Sabbath-keeping testified to creation (God rested on the seventh day) and sanctification (God sets apart His people). Sabbath rest prefigures the spiritual rest believers find in Christ—ceasing from self-effort, trusting His finished work (Hebrews 4:9-10). Violating the Sabbath incurred death, showing that rejecting God's rest is spiritual death.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Sabbath command's placement after tabernacle instructions (before construction began) emphasized that even sacred work must pause for sacred rest. God's people rest in His timing, not working constantly even for holy purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Sabbath rest prefigure ceasing from self-effort and resting in Christ's finished work?
  2. What does the severity of Sabbath violation teach about rejecting God's rest?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְאַתָּ֞ה1 of 21
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

דַּבֵּ֨ר2 of 21

“Speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל3 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֤י4 of 21

“thou also unto the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙5 of 21

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֵאמֹ֔ר6 of 21

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַ֥ךְ7 of 21

“Verily”

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אֶת8 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖י9 of 21

“my sabbaths”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּ10 of 21

“ye shall keep”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

כִּי֩11 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

א֨וֹת12 of 21

“for it is a sign”

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

הִ֜וא13 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

בֵּינִ֤י14 of 21
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

וּבֵֽינֵיכֶם֙15 of 21
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם16 of 21

“between me and you throughout your generations”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

לָדַ֕עַת17 of 21

“that ye may know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֛י18 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֥י19 of 21
H589

i

יְהוָ֖ה20 of 21

“that I am the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם׃21 of 21

“that doth sanctify”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 31:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 31:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 20:20Ezekiel 20:12Leviticus 19:30Exodus 20:8-111 Thessalonians 5:23Exodus 31:17

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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